Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has described Georgia’s relationship with China as “an exemplary strategic partnership,” highlighting the recently announced upgrade in bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Speaking at a briefing held at the Government Administration on June 10, Kobakhidze said the partnership between the two countries goes beyond formal declarations and delivers tangible benefits for both sides.
“It is absolutely clear that this is not a strategic partnership that exists only on paper. It is reflected in concrete benefits for both countries,” the Prime Minister said.
“Such a partnership should serve as a model of strategic cooperation between two states — one based on mutual respect, fairness and dignity, and focused on mutual benefit.”
Kobakhidze also praised China’s approach toward Georgia, stating that the Chinese leadership treats the country “as an equal partner,” which he described as particularly noteworthy and worthy of appreciation.
To illustrate the growing relationship, the Prime Minister pointed to increased trade turnover and rising tourism figures between the two countries. He noted that over the past six months alone, Georgia’s Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker and five cabinet ministers had visited China, with each trip focused on achieving specific outcomes.
Kobakhidze expressed special gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping, China’s prime minister, Chinese government officials and the Chinese ambassador to Georgia for their contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.
During a question-and-answer session with journalists, the Prime Minister reiterated his view that China is the world’s only peaceful superpower.
The remarks came a day after Georgia and China announced the elevation of their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking the third anniversary of the establishment of a strategic partnership framework between the two countries.
The decision was revealed through congratulatory messages exchanged on June 9 between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Georgia and China.
The two leaders stated that both countries had agreed to deepen cooperation further and move bilateral relations to a new stage through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.
Kobakhidze’s comments came amid renewed debate over Georgia’s growing ties with China.
On June 8, the US House of Representatives approved bipartisan legislation requiring the US administration to conduct a detailed assessment of Russian and Chinese intelligence activities in Georgia. The bill, H.R. 7668, reflects concerns in Washington that the current Georgian government is moving closer to the political orbit of the United States’ principal strategic rivals.
Responding to the initiative, Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian said on June 9 that Beijing was not interested in comments made by “certain American congressmen” regarding China-Georgia relations.
Asked about the issue on June 10, Kobakhidze argued that criticism from the United States over Georgia’s deepening ties with China would be illogical.
“We see that the United States itself, its administration and the State Department, are doing their utmost to deepen US-China relations. Under such circumstances, the American authorities cannot have any objective criticism of Georgia’s efforts to deepen relations with China as well,” he said.
The Prime Minister also dismissed criticism from Republican Congressman Joe Wilson, one of the bill’s authors, calling him “an absolutely unserious person.”
“When US President Donald Trump visits China and refers to the Chinese president as a friend, it is entirely unserious for Joe Wilson to claim that China has a negative influence in the South Caucasus region,” Kobakhidze said.
He added that he hoped the US administration would take Georgia’s approach to strategic cooperation with China as an example.
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